My son is 13, he was diagnosed with ADD and LD in listening comprehension when he was in 3rd grade. He has had an IEP in place, but as he has gotten older, especially after this first year in middle school, I realize that his IEP is basically doing nothing for him besides giving him extra time to complete tests. He had a rough year, going to middle school was a huge transition for him, with the new school, lockers, 7 different classes, even days, odd days, and being a teenager in general. He was less focused than ever before. I know his stengths, and I know his weaknesses, but in middle and high school, how can I specify his problems without seeming like I am coddling him?? FOr example, those tests with the scantron bubble sheets? It’s in his IEP that on the end of year testing (SOL’s) that he either does it on a computer or writes the answer in the book, and the teacher goes back later and fills them in. He’ll be in 8th grade, but I know that even with the best intentions on his part (and that’s best case scenario) he will get off on his numbering and end up failing a test. Teachers seem to favor these types of tests on things like final exams which count for 50% of his final grade. Is it too much to demand accomodations for him? He also has a need to get up and move. If he can’t, he loses focus. His elementary teachers understood that, they used to let him work standing up. What happens in middle school?? Or high school?
I’m sorry. I am rambling. It’s just me and him, his Dad is nowhere to be found, along with the child support, and I have so many questions. I just want him to do as well as he can in school, but I don’t want to give him excuses to use if he just doesn’t feel like doing, and I really don’t want him to feel terribly different from his other friends by making accomodations too specific and ‘labeling’ him.
I’ll take any advice or insight anyone has got.
by the way, he starts summer school in July, do the IEP accomodations stay in place for summer school??
Thanks everyone.
ADD/LD Son going into 8th grade Needs a change in IEP?
Melina,
I couldn’t agree w/ Laura more about you being your son’s biggest (& best) advocate. There is nothing wrong with scheduling an off-cycle meeting to discuss your concerns. You may also want to consider scheduling a mtg with his new teachers to discuss your concerns somewhat separate from your IEP meeting. Not sure if this makes sense, but a lot of times it’s helpful for the teacher to understand in non-IEP language what the student needs— like your example about the test bubble sheets.
Also, your son is getting to an age where you can start to teach him how advocate for his own needs. As he heads to high school and beyond, this will not only help him with his learning needs but should also address some of your concerns about his social skills, fitting in w/ his peers, etc.
Amanda
Re: ADD/LD Son going into 8th grade Needs a change in IEP?
Getting the accommodation sure son needs is a good thing. Accommodations are meant to help a person succeed. So with the additional accommodations your son can be a success. This is a good thing. I use accommodations everyday in my own life which helped me succeed in life.
Re: Re: ADD/LD Son going into 8th grade Needs a change in IEP?
Our child is going into 8th grade also.
May I suggest on the first day of school, request an IEP meeting. You can call an IEP meeting any time you wish, & as often as needed.
You and you child are equal members of the IEP team, don’t let the school bully you around into accepting an IEP that does not work for you child.
If you run out of time re-schedule the meeting so you and your son can finish the IEP. This could be a very slow process if your school does not want to work with you, but there are time limits the school must follow.
“Is it too much to demand accomodations for him? He also has a need to get up and move. If he can’t, he loses focus. His elementary teachers understood that, they used to let him work standing up. What happens in middle school?? Or high school?”
Anything Can be done through the IEP process. I would address this in the IEP meeting. If he had this accomodation before why does he not have it now? Has he been re-evaluated and determined not to need this anymore?
I suggest your child attend the meeting and self advocate; and he needs to become very familiar with what is in his IEP.
You will need to stay in contact with the school. Stay on top of it this year and don’t let up on the school until you and your son are happy with the IEP. He will need a “smart” IEP before he enters High School.
You can do a good job of advocating for your son with just a little research.
Here is a link to some good books www.wrightslaw.com
this is a really good site for parents.
When you read “From Emotions To Advocacy” it will be more clear how to get your son the help he is entitled to.
[Modified by: speaker wire on August 14, 2007 12:31 PM]
ADD/LD Son going into 8th grade Needs a change in IEP?
I would not wait until the first day of school. Administrators are in their offices usually two weeks before schools starts. E-mail the building principal find out his schedule and drop off a written request. They can get the process started before teachers begin the school year. It’s easier to contact auxiliary staff if you can get it scheduled first.
Most teachers are already on working on rooms and planning at this point.
There is a big difference between cuddling your son and standing up for his rights. The accommodations are to put him on the same playing field not enhance his education. If he needs to write in the book big deal. There are bigger crisis than that.
When your son turns fourteen he is required to be at his IEP. I would let him see you working for him and supporting him. He needs to know what his accommodations are so that he can say wait, I need to take this where it is quiet. He is aware of his needs. Teach him inner strength and how to stand up for himself it will go a lot further than end of the year testing and bubbles.
It doesn’t matter what teachers favor. I have seen kids walk out of classrooms and to administrators if tests were not prepared to meet their accommodations. Sounds like he has a strong mom behind him, that’s all he needs someone to believe in him.
If you feel that your son’s IEP is not meeting his needs then it is OK to request an IEP meeting off cycle from his renewal. Also, if you feel that he needs additional educational testing, you can request that as well. Check his triennial renewal date. I would continue to push for your son-you are the biggest advocate he has. I’d also work to forge a close relationship with his case manager-he or she is your biggest advocate for him at school. Finally, if he is in summer school, his accomodations should follow. Check with his ss teacher to discuss his needs and to be sure that she has a copy of his accomodations and is implementinging them. Good luck!